Fish & Co. Sailing Championships – Singapore sailors dominate the race
by Icarus Sailing Media on 4 Apr 2015
Singapore sailors - Fish & Co. Youth Sailing Championships 2015 Howie photography
Fish & Co. Youth Sailing Championships 2015 – Singapore’s National Sailing Center was alive with activity during the annual event. The event pulled in 373 youngsters from 10 countries, to compete across the nine classes. Asia’s top youth sailors vie for top spots while Singaporeans have another reason to secure top billing in this highly anticipated Championship. It is a qualification event for the 28th South East Asian Games that will once again return to Singapore in June 2015.
The desire of winning was well on all athletes across the three race courses and all sailors were focused on their performance, as day one kicked off. In the Optimist fleet, reigning Champion Muhammad Shah from Malaysia was focused on defending his title. Also chasing another year of success were 2014 silver medallist, Malaysia’s Muhammad Rozaini and bronze medallist Raynn Kwok of Singapore. Both delivered solid performances early on, but flash points happen. With a long way to go until the final moment of truth, it was impossible to speculate on chances of repeat successes. Success comes with hard work and belief. The two-person 420 Class attracts some of the hardest working and most experienced Singaporean sailors. Dedication rewards and these youngsters have already tasted the glory of elite success. Loh Jia Yi, Yukie Yokoyama and Bertha Han are all former Optimist World Champions - now putting in every effort for 420 Class glory.
The Championship unfolded with light to medium winds and 9-11 races for each class. By Saturday’s medal races, the leaderboard hierarchy was set and it was made or break for podium glory, with Singaporeans looking strong. Five Optimist sailors were in podium contention, with Daniel Kei counting six wins from 10 races. Samuel Neo headlined the Byte Class, and in the Laser Radial, Bernie Chin already had gold in the bag. In the Laser 4.7, Koh Yi Kun controlled the fleet, with teammates Loh Jia Yi and Matthew Scott leading the fiercely contested 420 class. No one could predict each other’s medal race strategy, so a simple race win was the obvious goal.
On the decisive day of the Fish & Co. Youth Sailing Championships, the medal race course was set close to shore, giving a superb spectacle for spectators to enjoy the racing action. Celebrating together; sailors, family, friends and fans shared some special moments during the public carnival.
Music sessions with this kind of shots
In the Byte class – 1,2,3 to Singapore. The double points medal race upgraded Jordan Tan Rui to bronze, as he managed to unseat Ryan Kwok from the podium. No change in the first two places, as Samuel Neo was guaranteed gold before the medal race, and a solid finish from Winston Yeo guaranteed his silver medal!
The top Optimist youngsters relished the chance to get a taste of Olympic Medal Racing. An intense Singaporean battle, with incredibly close racing saw Raynn Kwok secure the medal race win. Not enough to claim gold, but he was happy with silver! Podium glory to Daniel Kei, who knocked out an astonishing performance throughout the regatta, bronze to Daniel Hung.
A thrilling medal race in the 420 class, with a frisky breeze, and Singapore headlining the podium. Loh Jia Yi and Mathew Scott scored their fifth win of the series, securing the Championship crown! Yukie Yokoyama and Samantha Neubronner finished second, claiming podium gold in the girls’ division.
The Fish & Co. Youth Sailing Championship 2015 wrapped up with yet more excitement at the Medal and Closing Ceremony, with prizes & awards presented to massive applause. Sailors are already looking ahead to 2016!
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